Nevada Guard unit spends holiday keeping Monterey Presidio secure

Dick Benoit

Friday, Nov. 23, 2001 | 9:36 a.m.

It's still dark as Spc. Ronald Maine laces his boots and buckles his pistol belt before venturing into the cold, foggy twilight of the California coast. He is beginning another day of patrol as part of Operation Noble Eagle.

It's a routine that members of Nevada Army National Guard's 72nd Military Police Co. have followed since arriving at the Presidio of Monterey Oct. 7 to bolster the installation's security, according to Sgt. Mitch Frazier. The Army journalist recently talked to several of the Nevada Guardsmen about their duties and the upcoming holiday away from home.

"Before Sept. 11 the Presidio was an open military installation during the day," said Capt. John Kruthaupt, commander of the 72nd Military Police. "Now our soldiers are on duty 24 hours a day providing security both on the Presidio and at the nearby Ord Military Community."

Sixteen-hour days of patrolling, fitness training and report writing are common.

"The long hours are a challenge, but we're like an extended family, and count on one another to get through," said Sgt. Cheri Robbins, who, married only a year ago, will spend this holiday season away from her family.

Those who call the Presidio home did their best to keep the spirits of the Nevada soldiers up with Thanksgiving dinner and a sense of family.

"It's an Army tradition to take soldiers into your home for the holidays," said Lt. Col. Patrick O'Rourke, who hosted two soldiers for the holiday.

Other guardsmen enjoyed a feast served by the top soldier on the installation, Col. Kevin Rice.

Soldiers assigned to the 72nd have seen deployments before, even during the holidays. This one is unlike any he has been a part of in 20-plus years in the Army, though, Sgt. Jeffrey Johnson said.

"It's different because we are in the middle of two cities in California," said the veteran of 10 years of active duty, who deployed to Desert Storm. "We have running water, a nice bed to sleep in and hot food from a dining facility."

"We're lucky," agreed Staff Sgt. Rolando Ginelsa, a father of two from Las Vegas. "We're not far from home, we have a great group of people serving with us and, most importantly, we are all safe. We have a lot to be thankful for this year," he said.

Ginelsa will remain at the Presidio for Thanksgiving, but said his children and grandchildren have already promised to visit him over the holiday.

In brief